What is Nordic Walking? And Why You Need
a Lesson (or Two)

Many people assume Nordic walking and hiking are the same thing.

In reality, they are quite different. In fact, they are opposite in one important way: Hiking focuses on minimizing effort, while Nordic walking is all about maximizing effort.

  • Hikers use hiking poles to help them maintain their balance and stability on steep hills, challenging terrain, and rocky surfaces.

  • Nordic walkers use Nordic walking poles to rev up the intensity and benefits of regular walking while moving on sidewalks and smooth dirt trails.

Fall in High Park, Toronto

Fall Nordic walking in beautiful High Park, Toronto

9 Big Benefits of Nordic Walking

  1. Kinder to Knees and Hips
    The poles let you offload some body weight into your upper body, reducing stress on hips and knees. Many people find they can walk farther, faster, and more comfortably.

  2. Burns More Calories Without Feeling Harder

    Research shows Nordic walking can burn up to 46% more calories than regular walking by engaging more muscles.

  3. Tones Arms and Shoulders

    Nordic walking activates up to 90% of your muscles, especially the often-weaker upper body. Your arms, shoulders, and back get stronger as you walk

  4. Supports Healthy Blood Sugar

    Regular Nordic walking helps keep blood sugar levels in a healthy range more effectively than regular walking.

  5. Improves Posture and Confidence

    Each pole plant activates the upper back muscles that draw your shoulders back, helping you stand taller and feel more confident.

  6. Makes Exercise Social and Fun

    It’s easy to invite friends or family along, turning exercise into an enjoyable shared experience.

  7. Melts Away Stress
    The smooth, rhythmic movement is calming and mood-boosting, helping you clear your head while you move your body.

  8. Lets You Control the Intensity

    Press more- or less-firmly on the pole handles to easily adjust your pace and effort level.

  9. A Joint-Friendly Alternative to Running

    You can get the same benefits as running, but without the jarring of your joints.

Also see these Blog posts:

"Are You Really Nordic Walking or Just Walking with Poles?"

“Uh Oh. Are You Making These Classic 5 Nordic Walking Mistakes?”